#Knowthe5: Summer Nights
Damaging myths persist about intimate partner violence, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault. #Knowthe5 to help prevent harassment and abuse this summer.
Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put up a fight?— “Summer Nights,” Grease
1. At least 20-50% of people experience domestic or sexual violence.
These issues impact everyone, everywhere.
- 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experience some form of sexual violence in their lives. (NO MORE)
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes. (NO MORE)
- 1 in 3 teens experiences physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. (Loveisrespect)
2. Someone who’s drunk cannot give consent.
The link between substances and sexual violence is widely misunderstood. Perpetrators often use drugs and alcohol as weapons to incapacitate their victims. Sexual violence is never the victim or survivor’s fault.
Questions like “How much did you have to drink?” place blame on the victim instead of on the perpetrator, where it belongs. Instead of asking questions like this, offer survivors your support by assuring them that the violence they experienced was not their fault.
3. Clothing is not consent.
Style is not an invitation or an excuse for harassment or abuse. No matter what someone is wearing, violence is never their fault.
Questions like “What were you wearing?” place blame on the victim instead of on the perpetrator, where it belongs. Instead of asking questions like this, offer survivors your support by assuring them that the violence they experienced was not their fault.
4. Boundaries are important in every relationship.
“A healthy relationship starts with mutual respect, including respect for each other’s emotional, physical and digital boundaries,” the National Domestic Violence Hotline says. “It’s important for partners to know each other’s concerns, limits, desires and feelings, and to be prepared to respect them. Setting personal boundaries can be an ongoing process in a relationship. People and relationships evolve, and everyone has the right to change or adjust their boundaries as they see fit. Creating open conversations about boundaries in a relationship can help ensure that all partners’ boundaries are respected at all times.”
5. Change is in your hands.
Share these graphics to bust myths surrounding dating violence and sexual violence this summer.
Text and Graphics for Twitter
Someone who’s drunk cannot give consent. #Knowthe5 to help prevent sexual assault this summer: www.doorwaysva.org/knowthe5-summer-nights
Clothing is not consent. No matter what someone is wearing, violence is never their fault. #Knowthe5 to help prevent harassment and abuse, and to support survivors: www.doorwaysva.org/knowthe5-summer-nights
Boundaries matter. Respect them. #Knowthe5 to help prevent abuse this summer: www.doorwaysva.org/knowthe5-summer-nights
Graphics for Instagram, Facebook and more
Remember to use #Knowthe5 when you post!
Need support?
Free and confidential crisis support, information and referrals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 703-237-0881. Whether you need emergency shelter, hospital accompaniment, in-person individual or group counseling, court advocacy or a listening ear and helping hand, give us a call to discuss your situation or that of a loved one.